Design and Construction
The Mirage 27 (Schmidt) was built by Mirage Yachts in Canada and is constructed predominantly of fibreglass. This construction method was the standard for production sailboats of the era. The hull is a monohull with a fixed fin keel drawing 4.17 feet, paired with an internally-mounted, spade-type rudder. With a displacement of 5,500 pounds and carrying 2,200 pounds of ballast, the boat achieves a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40 percent, indicating respectable stability for a vessel of its size and vintage.
The design's dimensions place it squarely in the pocket-cruiser category. Its length overall is 27.17 feet on a waterline length of 21.50 feet, yielding a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 247—a figure that points to moderate displacement and a hull form that should transition well between light-air responsiveness and heavy-weather composure. The design is out of production.
Rig and Handling
The boat carries a masthead sloop rig with a total sail area of 369.69 square feet, split between a mainsail of 158.47 square feet and a jib or genoa of 211.22 square feet. The foretriangle dimensions—an I height of 35.80 feet and a J base of 11.80 feet—combine with a P mainsail luff of 29.90 feet and an E mainsail foot of 10.60 feet to create a rig that is generous for a 27-footer of this era. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio works out to approximately 19, which suggests the Schmitt 27 carries enough canvas to perform well in lighter conditions without becoming excessively tender when the breeze fills in.
The boat's theoretical hull speed is 6.21 knots, a realistic target for passage-making under power or in a stiff sailing breeze.
Accommodations
While detailed interior arrangements are not specified in the available documentation, the Mirage 27 (Schmidt) is described as a small recreational keelboat. The fresh water tank holds 10 U.S. gallons. Similarly, the fuel tank holds 12 U.S. gallons.
Mechanical Systems
The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 1GM diesel engine producing 9 horsepower.
The Verdict
The Mirage 27 (Schmidt) stands as a straightforward design from a Canadian builder. Its fibreglass construction, rig, and Yanmar auxiliary make it a practical choice for sailors who value simplicity and a connection to a specific chapter in Mirage Yachts' history.
The key caveat is age: any surviving example will require a thorough survey to ensure four decades of service have not introduced structural or mechanical issues that outweigh the boat's inherent virtues.
Pros
- Fibreglass construction from a Canadian builder
- Masthead sloop rig with a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19 for good light-air performance
- Manageable draft of 4.17 feet for coastal cruising and gunkholing
Cons
- Design is out of production; some parts may be difficult to source
- Modest fresh water capacity of 10 U.S. gallons limits extended time away from the dock
- Not related to the later Perry-designed Mirage 27, so parts and design knowledge are not interchangeable between the two models
